Endoanal ultrasound in perirectal abscesses

• Published in: Revista española de enfermedades digestivas Vol. 89; no. 12; p. 897
• Main Authors: Lobo Martínez, E, Torres Alemán, A, Galindo Alvarez, J, Martínez Molina, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.12.1997
• Subjects: Abscess - diagnostic imaging; Abscess - surgery; Adult; Anal Canal - diagnostic imaging; Anus Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Anus Diseases - surgery; Drainage; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Rectal Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Rectal Diseases - surgery; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 1130-0108

Transrectal ultrasound is a useful exploration in the assessment of local spread of rectal tumors. The aim of this study has been the knowledge of the results of transrectal ultrasound in perirectal abscesses. Forty patients suffering from perianal septic disease were examined with endoanal echography before surgical approach. The endorectal probe used was initially of 5 MHz and in the last 25 patients of 7.5 MHz. The examination could not be done in 8 patients because severe pain originated by the introduction of the probe in the anal canal. The echographic findings show the exact location and extension of the abscesses as confirmed by the surgical exploration. In three patients we suspected a perirectal abscess due to fever and anal pain but the anal exploration was normal; the ultrasonography showed the collection in all patients and two of them were treated by echoguided drainage. Transrectal ultrasonography localizes and defines the extension of perirectal abscesses. It is a very important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with clinical presumption, but not confirmation, of what kind of abscesses.